Multiverse: Dimension Hopping Mage

Chapter 109: Re-entering the dark souls world

While the White Tower mages were thrown into chaos in the Sky Arena, Alex was quite satisfied with his gains. Yet, the results weren't as favorable as he'd hoped.

"How did it go, Ikaros?"

"Yes, Master. During today's battle, you were controlled by enchanters eighteen times and ensnared by illusions seven times. The shortest time to break free was one second, and the longest was five seconds."

"This isn't good…"

Hearing Ikaros's report, Alex frowned and crossed his arms in thought.

If there were any truly troublesome foes in the Sky Arena, it would be the enchanters and illusionists.

Illusions weren't much of an issue since the prophecy branch counters them well; with True Sight, illusions were rendered useless. But enchantments were a different story. They bombarded Alex with an array of mental control spells, leaving him constantly on edge. Luckily, the enchanters he encountered were of low level, using mostly basic spells like sleep spells. But even so, they gave Alex a fright. For the first time, he realized that no matter how strong his combat skills, magic, or physical resilience, his mind was still vulnerable. Even a minor enchanter could influence him.

What worried Alex even more were the eerie and frightening techniques within the enchantment branch. For instance, he'd once read about a spell called "Mercy Bind." The effect was straightforward—it compelled a creature to fight more mercifully, avoiding poison, lethal strikes, and sparing non-threatening targets. When Alex read that, he felt a chill run down his spine.

This was like forcing a boss to set themselves up for failure!

Alex was almost certain this spell explained why 99% of bosses in various worlds met their demise.

At the pinnacle of the enchantment branch were terrifying spells like "Memory Weave," "Mind Invasion," and "Death Command." Alex had no desire to test his resilience against these.

When he consulted Rex about this, Rex confirmed that few methods existed to counter the enchantment branch.

"Like prophecy, enchantment is not suited for direct combat. But just as no one can avoid the future that prophecy foretells, enchantment, too, is inevitable. The human will and mind are complex and unfathomable. People strive to escape fate, to change the future, only to find their efforts were all part of destiny. The mind and will are similar; people wish to evade or alter them, but ultimately, they only alter themselves."

"But how can one be sure if that comes from the outside or from within?"

To Alex's objections, Rex remained silent for a long time before finally replying.

"Does it matter? In the end, only you would know."

According to Rex, dealing with enchantment spells required either unshakeable willpower to break free or magic items that granted immunity to mind control.

Unfortunately, Alex currently had none of the latter. And after the past few days of battles, he wasn't so confident in the former.

He had once thought of himself as resilient, but now he was no longer so sure.

Fortunately, Ikaros was by his side. As an artificial angel, she didn't dream and was immune to all mental and illusion-based attacks. Thanks to this, Alex could always break free in time, largely because he trusted Ikaros implicitly.

But Alex couldn't shake his concern—what if he encountered a more formidable enchanter?

At this level, enchanters were still limited, but Alex had read enough novels, watched enough movies, and played enough games to know how easily one's will could be eroded. Right now, he trusted Ikaros without reservation, but what if someone implanted a subtle suggestion against her?

Simple, brute-force tactics like sleep and hold spells could be resisted with willpower, but insidious suggestions were far more dangerous. What if he stopped trusting his own summoned companion? Or worse, if he lost faith in himself?

The thought left Alex uneasy. Better safe than sorry. He had always thought he was strong; after all, he'd faced hundreds of deaths in the dark world of souls and had become desensitized to it. What was there to fear?

But now, he realized he wasn't as unbreakable as he'd imagined.

Rex had little advice on this, for a well-trained prophet would never allow themselves to fall under the control of an enchanter. Each magic branch had its own strengths and counterbalances. Enchanters could manipulate a person's mind and will, but prophets could sense danger and avoid it. Everyone had their unique strengths, and the one who faltered simply hadn't mastered their craft.

However, Rex did agree with Alex's decision to train his mental fortitude and will. For mages, a steadfast mind was essential, especially for a prophet.

"The future is not set in stone, nor is it a predetermined fate. What lies within the web of destiny could just as well be an illusory dream as it could be reality. Seeing through the mists of fate depends entirely on your inner strength. Those too fragile cannot become prophets; this is the path you must take, so give it your best."

"Master, are you truly prepared?"

"Yes."

In response to Ikaros's question, Alex nodded, reaching out to pat the little angel on the head.

"I'll be relying on you to keep things in order while I'm away. If anything happens, remember to log it and inform me when I return."

"Understood, no problem, Master," Ikaros replied with a gentle smile.

"Stay safe; I hope you'll come back in one piece."

"Don't worry; I'll be fine."

With that, Alex reopened the Map of Myriad Dimensions.

The world teleportation was still on cooldown, but the portal to the Free World was available. Previously, he'd explored the Free World realm of "Skill" in the dark world of souls. Now he'd decided to unlock a new instance of the Free World.

"Heart."

If "Skill" honed his technique, then "Heart" would likely test his spirit and mind.

Staring at the Map of Myriad Dimensions before him, Alex felt a bit uneasy. And who could blame him? From his experience, any world connected to "spirit" or "will" was rarely a walk in the park. Physical pain could be endured, but agony that strikes the soul was pure torment.

Even Alex wasn't sure he could handle it smoothly.

But this was the path he had chosen.

With a look of renewed determination, he glanced at Ikaros standing beside him and then pressed the button firmly.

In an instant, the Map of Myriad Dimensions dissolved into particles of light, enveloping Alex.

In the blink of an eye, the light soared skyward and then vanished into the air.

This time, it wasn't a soul transfer.

When Alex opened his eyes, he found himself sitting on a small, old minibus. Besides himself, there was only one other passenger, an elderly woman squinting as she chatted with the driver.

They were speaking Japanese.

Listening to their conversation, Alex looked down, examining his attire. His clothes were different from before: he now wore a simple shirt and pants, with a small travel bag by his side. Peering out the window, he saw dense forests lining the road and fields stretching out in the distance.

It appeared to be… modern-day Japan, specifically… the countryside?

What kind of world is this?

"Sir, we've arrived."

As Alex pondered, the bus gradually stopped in front of a worn-out bus station, where the elderly woman had already disembarked. The driver turned to Alex with a nod, signaling him. Alex acknowledged, picked up his travel bag, and stepped off the bus.

It was dusk. The crimson sunset bathed the landscape in a warm glow.

And softly echoing in Alex's ears was the cicada song, drifting from somewhere in the tranquil evening...

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